By Clint Thompson Timing is everything for specialty crop growers implementing a pre-emergent herbicide program in their vegetable crops. Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), elaborates on the importance of ensuring the herbicide applications are made on time. “We have some herbicides available that can be used …
UF/IFAS Researchers Discover Genes Responsible for Flavor Compounds in Strawberries
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists have found the genes behind several aromatic chemicals that enhance the strawberry’s taste. These findings will help UF/IFAS researchers Vance Whitaker and Seonghee Lee as they study the sources of the unique aroma in strawberries. The genes that control aroma and flavor are connected. “Finding the sources of a …
UF/IFAS Senior Vice President Speaks Out on New Florida Fertilizer Recommendations
Scott Angle, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), recently marked his second year on the job. From the beginning, he emphasized his commitment to updating fertilizer recommendations in the state. We asked Angle about new fertilizer recommendations being developed for five key crops and …
New Certificate in Fertilizer Science and Technology Offered by UF/IFAS
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is offering a new academic program that will enhance students’ knowledge of fertilizer applications and enable them to apply fertilizers more efficiently to their specialty crops. The program is called the UF/IFAS Fertilizer Science and Technology Graduate Certificate. The formal certificate will be available starting in …
UF Study Shows ‘Aromatic’ Blueberries Taste Better
They may be called “aromatic” blueberries, but they don’t just smell nice — they taste good. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists now know why: These fruits contain just the right genetic combination to produce the chemistry required for a pleasant blueberry flavor. Growers and consumers always seek better-tasting fruit, compelling blueberry breeders like Patricio …
UF/IFAS Breaks Record on Research Expenditures
Research conducted at the University of Florida in agricultural sciences and natural resources conservation topped previous years’ spending totals in the latest figures reported to the National Science Foundation. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) researchers reported a total of $277.9 million spent during their projects in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the highest …
Lack of Mangoes Impacts UF/IFAS Research
By Clint Thompson As predicted, Florida’s mango supply was severely impacted by the chilling temperatures experienced in January. Producers did not have the usual crop this season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher Alan Chambers was not able to conduct part of his research. The plant geneticist at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center …
UF/IFAS Conducts $278M in Annual Research
Research conducted at the University of Florida in agricultural sciences and natural resources conservation topped previous years’ spending totals in the latest figures reported to the National Science Foundation. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers reported a total of $277.9 million spent during their projects in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the highest …
Drying Up: Southeast Continues to Suffer Through Lingering Drought
The lingering drought in the Southeast has not let up in previous weeks. In fact, it’s only worsened, especially in Georgia and Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions have worsened to moderately dry and, in some instances, severely dry conditions in areas across Georgia. The entire state is at least abnormally dry. Most areas, especially in …
UF/IFAS Research: Diseases Minimal in Hops
By Clint Thompson Potential hops producers in Florida can rest easy knowing diseases are minimal, if they start with clean material. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses what findings his research has yielded so far in this up-and-coming commodity. “The only …